Wolves get endangered species protection

Two pups from Wolf OR-7 were confirmed this week in Oregon. Photo by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

FORTUNA, Humboldt County — While no wolves are known to exist in California, the presence of Wolf OR-7 over the past three years convinced the California Fish and Game Commission to list the gray wolf as an endangered species.

Wolf OR-7 made national news in a series of appearances across Northern California, where it was tracked by a GPS collar. Last year it returned to Oregon. Wildlife officials reported last week that the wolf had found a mate and produced a litter. The department provided a photograph of two pups.

The vote means that wolves, if any migrate into California, will be protected under state law with the potential for severe penalties for anybody that harmed a wolf.

In a similar matter, the Commission voted not to list the Great White shark. It is already illegal to fish for Great Whites.